I should be happy. After all, Alistair is funny, handsome, and, as he’s shown me lately, kind. The men I usually date would have put as much distance between me and their reputation as humanly possible after the unfortunate event at Saint Cloud, but Alistair’s done a lot of good for me.
But it’s not him that I want.
Alistair Whent could make all of my problems disappear at the snap of his fingers, because if he wanted, he could simply choose to finance ten movies for me to star in, and yet, the thought of seeing him again makes me feel hollow.
Alistair Whent is a playboy who dates someone for maybe two months before moving on to another model, actress, or reality star. Sure, he’s been kind to me, but that doesn’t mean anything with pockets as deep as his, and if being home has taught me anything, it’s that at some point, I need to plant my roots.
Except, the man I’ve been wanting to sink my roots into pulled some, “Whaddaya want?” bullshit. My cheeks still burn with humiliation when I think about it. There I was, thinking Garrett was all into me, getting hot and heavy, and then he accuses me of…I still don’t know what he was getting at. He’s broke and living in my parents’ guest house with my brother, what the hell ulterior motive could I possibly have?
No, Garrett—I do not want any of your worldly possessions—other than your cock. I want that cock badly, thank you very much.
I take a deep breath so I don’t go into a pant.
I should be thankful it ended so abruptly. As much as he’d make a tasty snack, I’m not in a position where I should be taking any kind of risk—and Garrett has risk written all over him.
I risk having another fallout with my family. I risk ruining Jake’s and Garrett’s relationship. I risk breaking Prim’s heart. I risk my relationship with Prim. Risk-risk-risk, that’s all that Garrett is.
I try to focus on Alistair, willing myself to picture him naked. He’s tall, dark, handsome, and filthy fucking rich. What’s not to love?
But the thing is, I’ve had all those things before. Looks don’t give a guy personality, and money usually just means they want all the power. Now that I’ve been home for a few days and I’ve seen the way my father looks at my mother, I don’t know if I can go back to the men I’m used to dating.
My mind wanders to Garrett, his hands on my ass, his lips locked with mine. He’s a far cry from the Hollywood men I’ve grown accustomed to, but just as sexy.
And completely broke.
Why does that matter when I do so well?
Men hate it when women make more than them. He’ll clip your wings.
I’ve seen it happen so many times, to so many of my friends. They get their big break, star in plum roles, then, they’re swept off their feet by some Hollywood hunk only to have their careers sidelined. The hunk takes coveted roles while she transitions into more of a supportive position, boosting his prestige every time she’s seen on his arm. And when he’s finally done with her, he’ll cut her loose. Her roles will have dried up, and he’s now nominated for an Oscar, dating a younger model-type.
Alistair’s not a wing-clipper. If anything, women he’s dated have only sung his praise. I’m lucky that he’s continuing to talk to me considering the turn our date took.
I pull out my phone, forcing myself to think with my head and not my heart.
Ali Kat:Well, if you can get Ted to let me out of prison, I’ll pay my debt.
Alistair:Let me see what I can do.
?
Garrett
I approach Ali with caution, worried as hell that she’s still mad at me. Her nose is buried in her phone, thumbs working at lightning-fast speed. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s texting Alistair Whent.
Can’t say I blame her.
She tucks her phone into her bra then jabs a hay bail with a pitchfork.
Watching her bend over in her short shorts sends my pulse racing. It would be so easy to bend her over the bail, slide her shorts down her thigh, and take her in the afternoon heat. I think she’d rather enjoy it, on account of how eager she was the other day.
You mean that time you fucked it all up?
“Garrett!” Prim cries out, jolting me into reality.
Prim’s bounding towards me, a look of glee on her face. She truly is a beautiful girl, and a lesser man might take advantage of that. But not me. I prefer my women to be women, with at least half a dozen years of experience under their belt. Prim is just a kid and deserving of someone worthy of her, someone who will wait until the time is right.
Ali casts me a scathing glance, letting me know that she hasn’t forgotten about my recent slight to her honor.
